Currently, antibiotics and heavy metal contaminants have posed a great threat for ecological security and human health. Herein, the lanthanide functionalized ZIF (named ZIF-90-PABA-Eu) is constructed by coordinating with Eu3+ via p-aminobenzoic acid intermediate. Due to the excellent fluorescence properties, the novel fluorescent probe can selectively monitor flumequine based on “turn on” mode. Furthermore, the obtained new material (named ZIF-90-PABA-Eu-Flu) can be used as “turn off” sensor for selective detection of both radioactive and nonradioactive heavy metal ions (UO22+, Ni2+ and Cu2+) which are the main component of nuclear industrial wastewater. ZIF-90-PABA-Eu-Flu shows ultra-short fluorescence response time (3 s) and ultra-low limit of detection (9.0 × 10−3, 1.3 × 10−2 and 6.1 × 10−4 ppm) for three metal ions, which may be attributed to its good affinity with UO22+, Ni2+ and Cu2+. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to distinguish the three metal ions. Additionally, the possible sensing mechanism is investigated by the UV–vis spectra, luminescence lifetimes and theoretical calculation analysis. Based on these results, ZIF-90-PABA-Eu possesses promising potential in practical application and provides insight for the design of novel probes to continuously monitor flumequine, radioactive and nonradioactive heavy metal ions. Display omitted •The lanthanide functionalized ZIF (named ZIF-90-PABA-Eu) by post-modification.•The novel fluorescent probe selectively monitor flumequine based on “turn on” mode.•Simultaneously monitor radioactive metal ions (UO22+) and nonradioactive metal ions (Ni2+ and Cu2+).•Ultra-short fluorescence response time and ultra-low limit of detection for three metal ions.•Principal component analysis (PCA) applied to distinguish various quinolones and three metal ions.